Salisbury Heights

An assessment of population growth drivers in Salisbury Heights reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, as of Nov 2025, the estimated population of Salisbury Heights is around 4,687. This reflects an increase of 199 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,488. The change is inferred from the resident population of 4,634, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024), and an additional 86 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,339 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Salisbury Heights's growth of 4.4% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area's growth of 3.7%, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 59.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections are adopted, based on 2021 data and adjusted using a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Considering projected demographic shifts, Salisbury Heights is expected to grow by 519 persons to 2041, reflecting a gain of 9.1% in total over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Salisbury Heights according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Based on AreaSearch analysis using ABS building approval numbers from statistical area data, Salisbury Heights has recorded approximately 24 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past five financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, around 121 homes were approved, with an additional 15 approved so far in FY-26. On average, each new dwelling constructed over these five years has accommodated about 1.3 new residents per year.

This suggests a balance between supply and demand, maintaining stable market dynamics. The average construction value of new properties is approximately $374,000. In the current financial year, there have been $3.0 million in commercial approvals, reflecting the area's residential character.

Compared to Greater Adelaide, Salisbury Heights exhibits moderately higher development activity, with a 48.0% increase per person over the five-year period. This has contributed to maintaining good buyer choice while supporting existing property values. However, building activity has slowed in recent years. All development in the area during this time has been comprised of standalone homes, preserving its suburban identity and attracting buyers seeking space with a concentration of family homes. The population density is approximately 305 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low-density market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Salisbury Heights is projected to grow by 425 residents through to 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Salisbury Heights has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 47thth percentile nationally

Area infrastructure changes significantly influence local performance. Four projects identified by AreaSearch may affect the region: Salisbury Park Estate, Salisbury East Urban Renewal Precinct, Playford Health Hub, and Advanced Manufacturing and Retail Hub. Details about the most relevant projects are listed below.

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The labour market in Salisbury Heights shows considerable strength compared to most other Australian regions

Salisbury Heights has a diverse workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. Its unemployment rate is 2.8%, lower than the Greater Adelaide average of 4.0%.

In the past year, employment grew by 1.7%. As of June 2025, 2,583 residents are employed, with a participation rate of 66.3% compared to Greater Adelaide's 61.7%. Key sectors include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Construction stands out with employment levels at 1.4 times the regional average.

Conversely, professional & technical services have lower representation at 4.2%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment increased by 1.7% while labour force grew by 1.7%, keeping unemployment relatively stable at 1.2%. National employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest Salisbury Heights' employment should increase by 6.2% over five years and 13.0% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections.

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2022, Salisbury Heights had a median income among taxpayers of $61,535. The average income stood at $68,353. This was above the national average and compared to levels of $52,592 and $64,886 across Greater Adelaide respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.83% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $69,430 (median) and $77,123 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Salisbury Heights cluster around the 52nd percentile nationally. Income analysis reveals that 36.6% of the population, equating to 1,715 individuals, fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, mirroring the region where 31.8% occupy this bracket. After housing costs, residents retain 87.5% of their income, reflecting strong purchasing power. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

Salisbury Heights is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Dwelling structure in Salisbury Heights, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 97.2% houses and 2.8% other dwellings. In comparison, Adelaide metro had 83.9% houses and 16.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Salisbury Heights was 35.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 51.5% and rented dwellings at 13.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,514, higher than Adelaide metro's $1,300. The median weekly rent was $330, compared to Adelaide metro's $300. Nationally, Salisbury Heights' mortgage repayments were lower at $1,863 and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Salisbury Heights features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 80.7% of all households, including 38.5% couples with children, 29.1% couples without children, and 12.7% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 19.3%, with lone person households at 18.4% and group households making up 0.9% of the total. The median household size is 2.8 people, larger than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.7.

Educational outcomes in Salisbury Heights fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's university qualification rate is 13.6%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 10.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.1%) and graduate diplomas (1.4%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 43.0% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 12.1% and certificates at 30.9%. Educational participation is high, with 28.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education: 10.7% in primary, 8.2% in secondary, and 3.9% in tertiary education.

Salisbury Heights Primary School serves the area, with an enrollment of 354 students as of 2021. The school focuses on primary education, with ICSEA score of 968, indicating typical Australian school conditions. There is one school per 7.5 residents, lower than the regional average of 13.9, suggesting some students may attend schools in nearby areas.

Transport servicing is moderate compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Public transport analysis shows 29 active transport stops operating within Salisbury Heights. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, totaling 14 individual routes. Collectively, these routes provide 724 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 197 meters from the nearest transport stop. Service frequency averages 103 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 24 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health outcomes in Salisbury Heights are marginally below the national average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Health indicators suggest below-average outcomes in Salisbury Heights. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is fairly high at approximately 54% of the total population (~2,531 people), compared to 47.1% across Greater Adelaide. The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and asthma, impacting 8.6 and 8.3% of residents respectively. 67.4% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 68.1% across Greater Adelaide. The area has 16.2% of residents aged 65 and over (759 people). Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Salisbury Heights was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Salisbury Heights, surveyed in April-June 2016, had 10.8% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 21.3% born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 46.4%. Islam, however, was underrepresented at 1.8%, compared to Greater Adelaide's average of 8.0%.

In ancestry, English (31.6%) and Australian (28.2%) groups were substantially higher than regional averages of 24.6% and 21.6% respectively. Italian ancestry made up 6.2%. Polish (1.2%), German (5.5%), and Welsh (0.7%) ethnicities were notably overrepresented compared to regional averages.

Salisbury Heights's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

Salisbury Heights has a median age of 38, closely aligning with Greater Adelaide's figure of 39 and Australia's median age of 38. The 15-24 age group is notably over-represented in Salisbury Heights at 14.5%, compared to the Greater Adelaide average, while those aged 25-34 are under-represented at 12.7%. Between 2021 and present, the 15-24 age group has increased from 13.0% to 14.5% of the population. Conversely, the 5-14 age group has decreased from 13.4% to 12.6%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests significant changes in Salisbury Heights' age profile. The 45-54 age cohort is projected to expand by 98 people (16%), growing from 623 to 722. Conversely, both the 35-44 and 5-14 age groups are expected to decrease in number.